CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Tensions boiled over at the Liberian Capitol on Monday, December 9, 2024, as violent clashes between lawmakers and police disrupted budget hearings for the proposed $851.8 million 2025 draft national budget. The confrontation left several lawmakers injured, with Representative Luther Collins hospitalized after allegedly being struck by a police baton.
Speaker J. Fonati Koffa condemned the police presence, calling it an “invasion” orchestrated by the Executive branch to destabilize his leadership. Speaking to reporters, Koffa criticized the heavy-handed actions of the Liberia National Police (LNP), accusing the Executive of politicizing security forces to intimidate his bloc and embolden rival lawmakers seeking his removal.
The chaotic scenes spread-out as officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Liberia Revenue Authority arrived to present the revenue component of the 2025 draft budget. Their attendance defied Koffa’s earlier directive urging government entities to boycott hearings amid an unresolved leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.
Tensions blow up when members of Koffa’s bloc attempted to block the proceedings initiated by a breakaway faction of lawmakers. Tear gas and baton-wielding officers clashed with lawmakers and aides, with Koffa labeling the heavy police presence a politically motivated display of force.
“This is politics at its worst and tyranny at its best,” Koffa remarked. “You don’t see police here unless the so-called absentee bloc is present. This is a treasonous plot to undermine the independence of the Legislature.”
The House remains locked in a bitter power struggle despite a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Koffa’s leadership under Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution. The ruling clarified that the plenary requires a simple majority, with the Speaker presiding over sessions.
However, dissent among a faction of lawmakers, reportedly backed by influential figures in the Executive, has persisted. “The Supreme Court decision is clear, but some have chosen to interpret it upside down,” Koffa stated.
Adding to the day’s drama, Koffa’s office reported receiving an anonymous death threat, warning him to resign or face dire consequences. The message read, “Koffa, the Speaker job is for the UP. Our party won’t sit there and reward its enemies. We will kill you if we have to. Hint to the wise is sufficient. RESIGN NOW!”
The threat has been reported to Liberia’s Joint Security apparatus, and an investigation is underway.
The clashes led to multiple injuries, including Representative Collins, who required hospitalization. Koffa decried the police brutality, questioning the necessity of law enforcement intervention in a parliamentary dispute.
“In other democracies, you see lawmakers arguing and even throwing chairs, but police do not intervene. Why is this happening in Liberia?” he asked.
Koffa emphasized the need for dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the leadership crisis. “We must honor our mandate as representatives of the people and restore order. The rule of law must prevail,” he asserted.
Political observers warn that the prolonged stalemate could disrupt governance and Liberia’s financial systems, with the national budget hanging in the balance. Koffa urged his colleagues and the Executive branch to prioritize stability and respect constitutional processes.
One political commentator, who requested anonymity, stated, “The Capitol Hill crisis underscores the dangers of political interference and the urgent need for adherence to democratic principles.”
